Scarborough Fair (fair)

During the late Middle Ages the seaside town of Scarborough, in Yorkshire, was an important venue for tradesmen from all over England. It was host to a huge 45-day trading event starting on 15 August, which was exceptionally long for a fair in those times. Merchants came to it from all areas of England, Norway, Denmark, the Baltic states, and the Byzantine Empire. Scarborough Fair originated from a royal charter granted by King Henry III of England on 22 January 1253. The charter, which gave Scarborough many privileges, stated "The Burgesses and their heirs forever may have a yearly fair in the Borough, to continue from the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary until the Feast of St Michael next following". (On the modern Roman Catholic calendar, the equivalent dates are 15 August–29 September.) Naturally, such a large occasion attracted a lot more than just tradesmen; they needed to be entertained and fed and therefore large crowds of buyers, sellers, and pleasure-seekers attended the fair. Prices were determined by supply and demand, with goods often being exchanged through the barter system. Records show that from 1383 due to another fair in neighbouring Seamer, Scarborough's prosperity slumped.[1]

This article is about the traditional English fair. For the song, other fairs, and other uses of the term, see Scarborough Fair. For the fair held in Scarborough, Ontario, see Scarboro Fair.

In the early 17th century, competition from other towns' markets and fairs and increasing taxation saw further collapse of the Fair until it eventually became financially untenable. The market was revived again in the 18th century, but due to intense competition Scarborough Fair finally ended in 1788.

The traditional "Scarborough Fair" no longer exists, but a number of low-key celebrations take place every September to mark the original event. Scarborough Fair in July 2006, witnessed medieval jousting competitions hosted by English Heritage in addition to the usual attractions. In 2016, a revival of the fair as a music festival headlined by Richard Ashcroft was attempted. Organizers canceled one month before the festival, citing "logistical issues".[2]

The fair features in the traditional English ballad "Scarborough Fair".

References
  1. "Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre | Scarborough fair". www.scarboroughsmaritimeheritage.org.uk. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  2. "Scarborough Fair 2016". Retrieved 28 February 2020.
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